Super Bowl notebook: 49ers' Brooks a bargain

Published 7:47 pm, Saturday, January 26, 2013

49ERS' BEST BARGAIN: The least-heralded member of one of the NFL's best corps of linebackers might lead the 49ers in at least one category: biggest bargain.

In the offseason, San Francisco signed Ahmad Brooks to a six-year, $44.5.million extension with $17.5.million guaranteed. Jim Harbaugh said they aren't regretting their financial commitment after the seven-year veteran delivered 46 tackles, 6Â½ sacks, two forced fumbles and 50-yard interception return for a touchdown.

"Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio made the comment the other day that the smartest thing we did as an organization was pay Ahmad Brooks and keep him as a 49er," Harbaugh said. "And we would all concur with that. He's done it with very little fanfare, in terms of how he talks about himself."

Unlike San Francisco's other linebackers -- Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith -- Brooks didn't earn Pro Bowl honors or first-team All-Pro recognition. He did earn second-team All-Pro honors, though, and came up with a pair of big plays at the end of the NFC Championship Game.

With the Falcons inside the red zone on their penultimate drive, Brooks pressured Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan on second down, forcing a 5-yard completion. On the following play, he batted down a pass, setting the stage for a fourth-down incompletion that all but sealed a Super Bowl berth.

Brother talk: Asked Friday if he could enjoy the crush of media that will be part of the Super Bowl experience, Harbaugh sounded surprised it would be considered a potential source of irritation.

"I don't know where you've gotten the impression that I don't enjoy talking to the media, or the fans," he said. "I do enjoy these sessions."

Perhaps so, even if there is some compelling evidence to the contrary. It can't be argued, though, that Harbaugh has never opened a news conference like his brother, John, did after the Ravens' final practice of the season in Baltimore on Saturday.

"It's been a great year with the media, and we appreciate everything you do for us and the connection that you make with our fans," Harbaugh said. "It means everything. We have great fans, we have great media."

Later, John Harbaugh was back in synch with his little brother, echoing one of his favorite phrases.

"We think you are either getting better or you are getting worse," he said. "You never stay the same."

Being Colin Kaepernick: Baltimore's third-string quarterback, Dennis Dixon, who has been playing the role of Colin Kaepernick in practice, evidently isn't missing a detail. Dixon has performed Kaepernick's biceps-kissing celebration known as "Kaepernicking," according to Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.

"He did it a couple of times in practice -- him and backup QB Tyrod Taylor," Suggs said. "So, they're having fun being him. It's a fun offense to run; it's not a very fun offense to play against."

Travel plans: The 49ers will leave their facility at noon Sunday and fly to New Orleans out of San Jose International Airport. They are scheduled to arrive in New Orleans around 8:15 p.m., and Harbaugh will have a news conference about an hour later, which will be aired on NFL Network.